Detroit City Councilmember Mary Sheffield (Dist. 5) will kick off her new “Occupy the Corner Detroit” Initiative at the King Apartments, located at 595 Chene at E. Lafayette on Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. The mission is to engage the community, connect them to resources and empower residents to be self-determinate with respect to improving the quality of life in some of Detroit’s toughest neighborhoods.
For the first three Fridays in October, starting October 3, Councilmember Sheffield, staff, community leaders, and volunteers will hit the blocks in District 5’s highest crime and impoverished neighborhoods to bring resources and hope to residents. Neighborhood police officers and their respective captains will participate weekly, and a minister will be invited to pray over the event. Residents will be notified of the times and locations of the next two events.
Joining Councilmember Sheffield on her inaugural Occupy the Corner Detroit initiative will be Mayor Mike Duggan, Councilman Jumaane Williams from Brooklyn, NY and a host of other dignitaries.
Throughout the time at King Apartments, information regarding voter registration, employment and job training, minor felony expunction, utility payment assistance and upcoming community events will be distributed. Moreover, this event will serve as a platform for citizens to voice their perspectives regarding the current cultural and social climate in the City.
Unique to this effort will be the involvement of ex-offenders, as well as members of the clergy to provide spiritual comfort and support to those in need.
According to Councilwoman Sheffield, positive energy must begin to permeate throughout the City and citizens need their leaders to make information and resources readily available to the general public. This project will be one of many that Councilwoman Sheffield will champion to tackle prevailing issues facing the City of Detroit in an effort to promote engagement.